General: Wonderful perennial that is perfect for naturalizing. Lovely, round white flowers in summer. Skin rinses made from soapwort are supposed to help relieve itchiness.

Medicinal Uses: This plant has an ancient reputation for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, boils, and acne. Taken internally these saponins are a mild irritant to the respiratory and digestive systems making the soapwort an expectorant and laxative in small doses. A soap can be obtained by boiling the whole plant, especially the root, in water. It is a gentle, effective cleanser to be used on delicate fabrics that are usually in harm from synthetic soaps. The best soap is obtained by infusing the plant in warm water. Sometimes used as a shampoo for hair although it has been known to cause eye irritation.

Ornamental Uses: This perennial has oval shaped leaves and small, fragrant, five-petaled flowers that have light fruity scent.